Change of scenery in Kansas City rejuvenates Reid

By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - There is no doubt that Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has not only rejuvenated a city much in need of a sports face-lift but has also done the same for himself.

True to his nature, Reid continues to dodge questions about himself as he prepares for his homecoming, when his 2-0 Chiefs visit the Eagles on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Asked during a conference call with local reporters on Monday about how he feels wearing the Chiefs red after coaching the green-clad Eagles the previous 14 seasons, Reid attempted humor.

"The barbecue is great here," he said.

Then, while trying not to talk much about himself this week, he opened up slightly about his brief time in Kansas City.

"I enjoy coaching, No. 1, and I am fortunate to work for a tremendous owner, not that I didn't in Philadelphia," Reid said. "[Eagles owner] Jeff Lurie was top-notch, but we have a great owner here in Clark [Hunt], and these players and coaches are busting their tails."

Nobody busts it more than the head coach, but he has found that doing less has led to more favorable results, at least for now.

Reid's lone title with the Chiefs is head coach, a time-consuming task to be sure, but the responsibilities are not as expansive as those he had with the Eagles.

In 1999, Reid was hired as the Eagles coach. But by 2001, he earned the added title of executive vice president of football operations.

The Eagles made the postseason nine times during Reid's 14 seasons. So not much was made of the extra responsibilities until the last two years, when the Birds went 8-20.

In Kansas City, John Dorsey is the general manager, and Reid is the coach, and the roles are clearly defined.

"I am glad John Dorsey is here, and his crew is doing a nice job. I appreciate that part of it," Reid said. "I enjoyed the time I had doing that in Philadelphia, but at this time in my career I am excited to just be doing what I am doing and not doing the personnel."

Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson has noticed the change in Reid. Pederson was Reid's first starting quarterback in 1999 while Donovan McNabb was being groomed. During the last four seasons, Pederson was an assistant coach with the Eagles.

"He is really gotten back to the football side," Pederson said. "When I came to Philadelphia, I remember in 1999 he was the coach and was getting involved in the offense as much then, and I see the similarities now."

For the second straight day, Reid refused to be drawn into the narrative about the emotions surrounding his return.

"In this business you are focused on getting your team ready to play," Reid said. "So that is where my energy is going to go."